Confirmation students preparing decorations for the sukkah
The revamped synagogue sukkah was the place to be on Friday, Oct. 17, as congregants gathered there after Erev Shabbat services for dinner, with some staying on to spend the night in B’nai Emunah’s second annual Sukkah Sleepover.
The meal was a potluck affair, and particularly tasty at that – perhaps because of the temperate fresh air. Congregants were impressed with the new look of the sukkah. Shabbat School teacher Anna Bleviss Whitlatch directed the younger children as they painted grass and trees on the canvas panels that covered the sukkah walls, and made giant chains to hang. She then directed the Confirmation students in adding trees and fruit to the scene. Several panels were left blank to allow future students to add their artwork in coming years.
Many thanks to Dean for designing and constructing the sukkah; to Henry for rigging the lights and hanging the 55 pieces of real fruit; to Sharon, Katy and April for helping to hang decorations; to Cantor Linda, Katy and Tom for providing the palm fronds; and especially to all of the hands, big and little, who created the artwork!
After the potluck, 13 hardy souls, including Rabbi Mark and Cantor Linda, stayed to sleep outdoors in the decorated sukkah. The stars and the moon were clearly visible through the fronds, until early morning when the fog rolled in. The hardy tribe awoke to a hot breakfast arranged by Cantor Linda (thank you!), and were ready for the 9:45a.m. services. What a mitzvah!
